METAL INJECTION MOLDING

Metal Powder Injection Molding
Complex metal parts · High-volume net-shape forming

It unites the geometric freedom of plastic injection molding with the high performance of powder metallurgy—MIM blends metal powders such as stainless steel, titanium, and tungsten with a binder, injection-molds the mix, then debinds and vacuum-sinters it into complex, near-net-shape metal parts with a density >96%. Minimum wall thickness 0.3 mm, individual weight 0.1–200 g, annual output up to the tens-of-millions scale.

96%
Sintered Density
0.3mm
Minimum Wall Thickness
95%
Material Utilization
200g
Max. Weight per Part
混炼造粒 注塑成型 脱脂 真空烧结 烧结致密化 · 致密度 >96% · 近净形成型 金属喂料(粉+粘结剂)
Medical Device Automotive Electronics Consumer Electronics Defense / Aerospace Watches & Jewelry Industrial Tools Telecom Housing Medical Device Automotive Electronics Consumer Electronics Defense / Aerospace Watches & Jewelry Industrial Tools Telecom Housing
WHY SENNRAY MIM

Why Choose Senrui MIM

When parts are small and complex, must be metal, and need high volume—MIM is the only solution for cost-performance and geometric freedom.

Near-Net-Shape for Complex Geometries

3D curves, side holes, splines, thin-wall cavities, internal/external threads formed in one shot — structures hard to achieve by cutting or casting are easily handled by MIM.

High Material Utilization

Near-net-shape scrap <5%, versus 60%+ chips from machining — metal powder is almost never wasted, especially cost-effective for precious materials.

Properties Close to Forgings

Sintered density >96%; mechanical properties can reach 90%+ of forgings; most load-bearing structural parts need no further densification.

Cost Advantage at High Volume

Mold-based production; per-unit cost drops sharply as volume rises. Above 10,000+ units, total cost is far lower than CNC and small-piece casting.

Wide Material Portfolio

Stainless steel, titanium alloy, tungsten alloy, iron-based sintered steel, cemented carbide, up to Kovar/Invar low-expansion alloys — 50+ grades available.

High Dimensional Accuracy

Tolerance ±0.3%, reaching IT7–8 grade; most parts need no or only minor finishing after sintering and go directly to assembly.

CORE METRICS

Core Capability Metrics at a Glance

Let real operational data speak—from sintering density to process self-control rate, quantitatively presenting Senrui MIM's manufacturing strength.

96%

Sintered densityVacuum/atmosphere sintering

95%

Material Utilization RateNear-Net-Shape Scrap < 5%

99%

Dimensional pass rateCMM full inspection traceability

100%

Process Closed-Loop In-House Control RateEntire Chain In-House

Thin-wall Molding Capability (min 0.3mm)100%
Complex-Structure Near-Net-Shape Rate92%
Multi-Cavity Mold Cycle Stability95%
Material Grade Coverage (50+ grades)90%
CORE CAPABILITY

Senrui MIM Core Capabilities

From feedstock to assembly, full process-chain self-control enables stable, traceable mass delivery of complex metal parts.

SMART SELECTOR

Smart Process Selector

Answer two questions to instantly get the engineer-recommended metal forming process and mass-production advice.

1What are the main features of your part?
2Expected annual production volume?
MIM Metal Injection
Recommended materials: 316L / 17-4PH stainless steel
Complex thin-wall / side holes / splines net-shaped in one step; extremely low cost at volume—MIM's home turf.
Complex StructureNear-Net ShapeHigh Volume
Request a Quote for This Plan →
INTERACTIVE LAB

Wall Thickness and Cost, Made Visible

Drag the slider to feel the thin-wall limit MIM can form; the cost curve tells you the economic break-even point between MIM and CNC.

Minimum Wall Thickness Visualization

MIM can stably form 0.3 mm thin walls and irregular cavities — a geometric freedom that machining and casting can hardly reach.

0.3 mm
Current Wall Thickness
MIM extreme thin-wall: complex micro parts and thin-wall cavities formed in one step, hard to achieve by machining or casting.
0.30.51.02.0 mm

Unit Cost × Production Quantity

MIM requires tooling but has very low per-piece cost; CNC has no mold but higher per-piece cost; beyond the break-even point, MIM's advantage becomes significant.

数量(件)→ 单件成本 ¥ 1 1k 10k 100k 1M 盈亏平衡点 ≈ 3,000 件
MIM (Incl. Tooling Amortization) CNC Machining (No Tooling Cost)
SERVICE FLOW

Eight Steps from Drawing to Metal Part

Full-process digital management; every step traceable, progress viewable in real time.

Requirement Assessment

Drawing / DFM Review

Manufacturability Analysis

Wall Thickness / Demolding Diagnosis

Mold Development

Multi-Cavity Mold

Mixing & Granulation

Feedstock Preparation

Injection Molding

Green Part Molding

Debinding

Catalytic / Thermal Debinding

Vacuum Sintering

Densification

Post-Processing / Delivery

Finishing / Inspection

MATERIAL LIBRARY

MIM Metal Material Library

Covers stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, iron-based, cemented carbide and low-expansion systems; quick filtering by category.

MaterialSystemDensity g/cm³Tensile Strength MPaKey PropertiesTypical Applications
316L Stainless SteelAustenitic7.9520Corrosion Resistant, Biocompatible, WeldableMedical / Food Machinery
17-4PHPrecipitation Hardening7.71000(H900)High Strength, Age HardenableAerospace / Automotive / Fasteners
420 Stainless SteelMartensitic7.7750 (Hardened)Hardenable, Wear ResistantCutting Tools / Locks / Pump Parts
440CMartensitic7.7760Ultra-High Hardness & Wear ResistanceBearings / Cutting Tools / Valves
304L Stainless SteelAustenitic7.9520Corrosion Resistant & WeldableChemical / Food
Ti-6Al-4Vα+β Titanium4.43950Lightweight, High Strength, BiocompatibleMedical Implants / Aerospace
W-Ni-Fe Tungsten AlloyHeavy Metal18.0700High Density, Radiation ShieldingCounterweights / Shielding / Fishing Sinkers
Fe-2NiSintered Steel7.6400Easy Carburizing, Low CostStructural Parts / Gears
Fe-8NiHigh-Strength Sintered Steel7.6800High Strength, Dimensional StabilityLoad-Bearing Parts / Connecting Rods
WC-Co Cemented CarbideCermet14.52200Ultra-High Hardness, Wear & Corrosion ResistantCutting Tools / Molds / Nozzles
Kovar 4J29Low Expansion8.3520Matched to Glass / Ceramic SealingElectronic Packaging / Vacuum
Invar 4J36Low Expansion8.1460Ultra-Low Expansion CoefficientPrecision Instruments / Gauges
The above are typical reference values; actual values follow the grade's TDS. Unsure which material to choose? Enter the material database to compare → or use the smart process selector above.
CAPACITY & SPEC

Equipment Capacity & Accuracy Specifications

In-house across the full chain from compounding, injection, debinding and sintering to inspection; capacity and consistency are controllable.

0.3mm
Minimum Wall Thickness
Thin-Wall Irregular Structures Can Be Formed
±0.3%
Dimensional Tolerance
IT7–8 Accuracy Grade
1600℃
Max. Sintering Furnace Temperature
Vacuum / Controlled Atmosphere Sintering
200g
Max. Weight per Part
0.1–200g economical range
Process StageEquipmentKey SpecificationsCapability Description
Mixing & GranulationTwin-Screw MixerFeedstock Particle Size ControlIn-House Metal Feedstock, Adjustable Formulation
Injection MoldingMIM Injection Molding Machine30–150TMulti-Cavity Mold, Stable Green Parts
DebindingCatalytic / Thermal Debinding FurnaceMultiple Temperature ZonesEfficient Binder Removal
SinteringVacuum / Atmosphere Sintering Furnace≤1600℃Density >96%; stable performance.
InspectionCMM / MetallographyFull Dimensions100% Inspection with Traceability Before Shipment
MIM + ECOSYSTEM

MIM × Additive × CNC · Full-cycle synergy

Senrui Precision integrates MIM with 3D printing, CNC, and injection molding in the same plant — covering the full life cycle of parts from 0 to millions of pieces.

Development · Prototyping

Before tooling, use 3D printing / CNC to quickly verify appearance and assembly; after locking the design, invest in the MIM mold to avoid mold revision risk.

Ramp-Up · Small Batch

During mold development, supply small batches via 3D printing / CNC; once the MIM mold is ready, use a small-cavity trial run for a smooth transition.

Mass Production · Scale

Once economic batch size is reached, switch to MIM multi-cavity molds for mass production, achieving optimal unit cost and consistency.

Enabling · Mold & Injection Molding

MIM and injection molding collaborate in the same plant; metal inserts and plastic parts assembled integrally; conformal-cooling-channel molds improve injection efficiency.

CASE STUDIES

MIM Case Studies

Representative project types are shown below (examples, not specific customers) to demonstrate multi-industry MIM delivery capability.

Medical Micro Part Example

Orthopedic Screws / Dental Brackets

Ti-6Al-4V and 316L micro complex-shaped parts, thin-wall + internal thread net-shaped in one shot, biocompatible delivery, weighing only a few grams yet structurally complex.

Titanium/Stainless SteelMicro Complex ShapeMedical
Automotive Electronics Example

Turbine / Sensor Precision Parts

316L / 17-4PH complex thin-wall actuators and sensor housings, with side holes and snaps requiring no machining, delivered stably at hundreds of thousands of pieces per month.

Stainless SteelThin Wall / Side HoleAutomotive
Consumer Electronics Example

Camera Brackets / Snap Fits

Stainless-steel micro-precision brackets and snap-fits, with 0.3 mm thin walls and micro-holes formed in one shot — difficult to achieve efficiently with CNC, where MIM shows significant cost advantages.

Stainless SteelMicro PrecisionElectronics
Watch & Jewelry Example

Watch Cases / Buckles

17-4PH high-gloss appearance parts, irregular curved surfaces and hinges formed integrally, polished to jewelry-grade appearance with excellent batch consistency.

17-4PHHigh-Gloss AppearanceWatches
0%
Sintered Density
0mm
Minimum Wall Thickness
0+
Available Material Grades
0k pcs
Monthly Capacity
PROCESS COMPARISON

MIM vs. machining vs. casting

Compare across four dimensions—cost, volume, complexity, and material—to quickly pinpoint the most suitable process for your part.

Preferred for Volume

MIM Metal Injection

  • Mold required, mold cost thousands to tens of thousands of yuan
  • Unit Cost Drops Steeply with Volume
  • Past the break-even point (~3,000 pcs), cost is lowest.
  • Material utilization >95%; precious metals save more.

Machining (CNC)

  • No Tooling Cost, Low Start-Up Cost
  • Cost driven by per-part cycle time; volume does not lower unit price
  • Much cutting scrap, high precious-metal waste
  • Flexible & Economical for Single / Small Batches

Precision Casting

  • Moderate Mold / Pattern Cost
  • Lower Unit Cost but Large Machining Allowance
  • Large post-machining volume, overall not necessarily lower
  • Suited to Medium & Large Parts in Volume
Economies of Scale

MIM Metal Injection

  • Economical starting point ~1,000 pcs/year
  • 50k–500k pcs range is optimal
  • Million-Units-Monthly Scale, Stable Cycle
  • Supports JIT / VMI supply

Machining (CNC)

  • From 1 pc, No MOQ
  • Flexible from Single to Thousands
  • Unit Price Hard to Reduce at High Volume
  • Suitable for Prototyping & Small Batches

Precision Casting

  • Economical for Medium & Large Batches (10k+)
  • Extremely small parts (< a few grams) not economical
  • Limited by Size / Weight
  • High Changeover Cost
Geometric Freedom

MIM Metal Injection

  • Extremely High — Side Holes, Transverse Holes, Splines
  • Internal/external threads, thin-wall cavities formed net-shape in one step
  • No Secondary Machining, Design Freedom Unlocked
  • The Home of Complex Irregular Parts

Machining (CNC)

  • Medium-high — multiple faces require flipping / multiple operations
  • Thin Walls & Deep Cavities Controllable but Low Efficiency
  • Complex Shapes Depend on 5-Axis
  • Limited by Tool Accessibility

Precision Casting

  • Medium — Limited by Draft Angle
  • Internal Structures Difficult to Achieve
  • Secondary Machining to Recover Accuracy
  • Suitable for Relatively Simple Shapes
High-Performance Metals

MIM Metal Injection

  • Stainless steel 316L/17-4PH/420/440C
  • Titanium Ti-6Al-4V, tungsten alloy
  • Iron-Based Sintered Steel, Cemented Carbide
  • Kovar / Invar low-expansion alloys, 50+ grades

Machining (CNC)

  • Nearly All Metals + Engineering Plastics
  • Widest Material Selection
  • Limited by Bar / Plate Stock Forms
  • Precious Metal Swarf Waste

Precision Casting

  • Cast Iron, Cast Aluminum, Cast Steel, Bronze
  • Titanium / Cemented Carbide Limited
  • High-Performance Grades Hard to Achieve
  • Density Generally Lower Than MIM
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Typical Application Industries

MIM is deployed at scale in medical, automotive, 3C, industrial and other fields; quickly view typical parts by industry.

Orthopedic Screws / Dental Brackets

Ti-6Al-4V and 316L micro intricate parts, thin-wall + internal threads net-shaped in one step, delivered biocompatible.

MedicalTitanium/Stainless Steel

Surgical Instruments / Tweezers

440C / 17-4PH high-hardness, wear-resistant instrument parts, complex shapes molded in one piece, electropolished to a mirror finish.

Medical440C

Turbo Actuators / Sensor Housings

316L / 17-4PH complex thin-wall housings with side holes and snap-fits requiring no machining; monthly output of hundreds of thousands.

AutomotiveStainless Steel

Clamps / Fasteners

304L / 17-4PH irregular clamps and fittings; strong consistency in mass production, lower cost than CNC.

Automotive304L

Camera Brackets / Snap Fits

Stainless-steel micro brackets and snap-fits, 0.3 mm thin walls and micro-holes formed in one shot—hard for CNC to achieve efficiently.

3CStainless Steel

Hinges / Hinge Pins

17-4PH high-gloss hinge integrated molding, achieving jewelry-grade appearance after polishing, with excellent batch consistency.

3C17-4PH

Cutting Tools / Nozzles

WC-Co cemented carbide, ultra-high hardness and wear resistance, for cutting tools, mold inserts, nozzles, and other long-life parts.

IndustrialWC-Co

Locks / Pump Parts

420 stainless steel is hardenable and wear-resistant; lock cylinders and pump-body small parts delivered stably in volume.

Industrial420

Watch Cases / Buckles

17-4PH irregular curved surfaces and hinges integrated in one piece, high-gloss appearance, jewelry-grade batch consistency.

Watch & Jewelry17-4PH

RF Cavities / Connectors

316L / iron-based complex cavities and connectors; thin-wall shielding structures formed net-shape in one step.

Telecom316L
MATERIAL SYSTEMS

MIM Material System Overview

Six major material families, 50+ grades, quickly located by property and application; detailed physical properties are in the material library and material database above.

Stainless Steel Series

316L / 304L are corrosion-resistant and biocompatible; 17-4PH is precipitation-hardened and high-strength; 420 / 440C are hardenable and ultra-wear-resistant—covering medical, automotive, and tools.

316L17-4PH440C

Titanium Series

Ti-6Al-4V is lightweight and high-strength, biocompatible, used for medical implants and aerospace complex parts; near-net-shape greatly saves material.

Ti-6Al-4VMedical / Aerospace

Tungsten Alloy Series

W-Ni-Fe high density (≈18 g/cm³), radiation shielding and counterweight; irregular high-density parts formed in one step.

W-Ni-FeCounterweight/Shielding

Iron-Based Sintered Steel

Fe-2Ni / Fe-8Ni are easy to carburize, low cost, and dimensionally stable—the first choice for mass production of structural parts and gears.

Fe-2NiFe-8Ni

Cemented Carbide Series

WC-Co offers ultra-high hardness and wear/corrosion resistance, ideal for cutting tools, mold inserts, nozzles and other long-life parts.

WC-CoUltra-High Hardness

Low-Expansion Alloy

Kovar 4J29 / Invar 4J36 matched to glass-ceramic sealing, used in electronic packaging and precision instruments.

KovarInvar
FAQ

FAQ

Questions you may have about MIM metal powder molding.

How to choose between MIM and CNC Machining?+

The core is 'complexity × volume': for parts that are small and complex (thin walls, side holes, splines, irregular cavities) with annual demand above several thousand pieces, MIM wins on both cost and freedom; for simple geometry, one-offs/small batches, or oversized high-load parts, CNC is more flexible. We often combine the two—CNC for prototyping, MIM for mass production.

What is the minimum order quantity for MIM? How high is the tooling cost roughly?+

The economic threshold is typically 1,000 pieces/year or more; below that, 3D printing or CNC is suggested as a bridge first. Mold cost depends on part size and number of cavities, mostly in the range of several thousand to tens of thousands of yuan, and is quickly amortized as volume grows—this is where MIM's economies of scale lie.

What materials can MIM process?+

Covers stainless steel (316L/17-4PH/420/440C/304L), titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V), tungsten alloy (W-Ni-Fe), sintered ferrous steel (Fe-2Ni/Fe-8Ni), cemented carbide (WC-Co) and low-expansion alloys such as Kovar/Invar — more than 50 grades in total.

What dimensional accuracy and tolerance can be achieved?+

Linear tolerance about ±0.3% (IT7–8 grade), min wall thickness 0.3mm, min hole diameter 0.2mm, single weight 0.1–200g. Most parts need only a little CNC finishing after sintering and can be assembled directly.

Do sintered parts need post-machining? How is the surface treated?+

Depending on precision requirements, CNC finishing, heat treatment, and straightening may be done; surfaces can have PVD/plating/passivation/sandblasting/polishing. We provide one-stop post-processing and inspection from sintering to assembly.

Can MIM part performance reach forged levels? What is the cost break-even point? +

Sintered density >96%, mechanical properties can reach over 90% of the same-grade forged part, sufficient for most load-bearing scenarios. The cost threshold is at the several-thousand-piece level (see cost curve above): once past the break-even point, MIM per-piece cost is significantly lower than CNC.

Upload drawings to mass-produce complex metal parts

Whether a single micro irregular sample or a million-piece production order, send the 3D model and requirements, and our engineers will give an MIM feasibility assessment and quote within 2 hours.